Hey Reader,

Most people enter unpaid football roles thinking the experience alone will open doors.

They're wrong.

I've watched countless analysts and scouts spend months - sometimes years - working for free, believing that dedication equals progression. They write reports, attend matches, complete projects. Then they wonder why that promised "next opportunity" never materialises.

Here's what they miss: unpaid doesn't mean worthless, but it also doesn't mean you should accept anything offered.

The Uncomfortable Reality

Unpaid roles aren't disappearing. Ever.

The numbers are brutal - hundreds of people chase every football position, including the voluntary ones. The demand to work in football vastly outweighs the supply of actual roles. This competition means clubs can offer unpaid positions knowing someone will always say yes.

That's not changing. Accept it, then use it to your advantage.

The Exchange You're Actually Making

When you work without financial compensation, you're still making a trade. Your time, skills, and effort for something else. The question is: what's that something else worth?

Too many unpaid roles offer nothing beyond "experience." That's not enough.

If you're not collecting a wage, you should be collecting at least one of these:

Structured feedback from experienced staff. Not generic "good work" comments, but detailed analysis of your reports from heads of recruitment, sporting directors, or senior analysts. What's working? What needs improvement? How does your work compare to industry standards?

Mentoring and regular support. Weekly or fortnightly catch-ups with someone more senior. Someone who can answer your questions, guide your development, and help you navigate the realities of working at a club.

Access to tools, resources, or data. Perhaps that's exclusive scouting platforms, advanced analytics software, or datasets you couldn't access independently. Some clubs even fund coaching badges or talent identification courses.

Without these elements, you're not gaining experience - you're being used.

The Simple Test

Before accepting any unpaid role, ask yourself this: "What specific development am I receiving that I cannot get elsewhere?"

If the answer is vague or non-existent, walk away.

Remember, building experience isn't limited to club internships. Sharing analytical work online, creating your own scouting reports, or collaborating with other aspiring professionals can provide similar learning opportunities - often with more control over your development.

Making the Trade Work

The best unpaid positions function like accelerated learning programmes. You contribute work, but you also receive structured development that would cost thousands if purchased independently through courses or tools.

Look for roles where:

• You gain access to tools or education you couldn't afford
• Your line manager has genuine industry experience
• Feedback sessions are scheduled and detailed
• There's a clear development pathway outlined

These positions exist, but they're rarer than clubs posting "exciting unpaid opportunities" with no support structure.

The Long View

Working for free can absolutely open doors in football. But only when the exchange genuinely develops your capabilities beyond what you could achieve alone.

Don't accept unpaid work because you think it's the only path available. Accept it because the non-financial compensation makes the trade worthwhile.

There's a difference between investing in your development and simply hoping that free work will eventually pay off.

The clubs worth working for understand this difference. Make sure you do too.

Have a great week and go well.

Liam

Whenever you’re ready, there are two ways I can help you: ​Free 1-2-1 Breakthrough Call - Frustrated trying to break into football recruitment? Tired of rejection after rejection? No idea how to get your first role in professional scouting or analysis? Get your free Football Career breakthrough Call to create a clear pathway to reach your goals in the football industry. ​Recruitment Room - My online membership community helps aspiring and new football professionals secure jobs working in recruitment. Master the four pillars of scouting, analysis, online portfolio, and employment. Learn from industry experts through our workshops, hot seats, and live sessions.